Tua Tagovailoa, the quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, has found himself at the center of speculation regarding his position with the team for the first time since Mike McDaniel took over as head coach. A recent report from NFL.com suggested that if Tagovailoa continues to struggle during this challenging 2-7 season, where he leads the league with 11 interceptions, the Dolphins may evaluate their backup options, including Zach Wilson and rookie Quinn Ewers.
Despite the chatter in the media, Tagovailoa clarified on Wednesday that he is not aware of any discussions regarding his potential benching. “I haven”t heard about any of that,” he remarked. “No social media for me, so that”s the first time I”m hearing it.”
Coach McDaniel addressed the speculation on Monday, asserting his commitment to Tagovailoa as the starting quarterback for the upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills. “We are certain that Tua gives us the best chance to win,” McDaniel stated. “It”s pretty simple. We play the players that give us the best chance to win, and when that changes or if somebody else gives us a better shot, then we adjust there.”
Tagovailoa pushed back against the idea that he is playing merely to retain his job, stating, “I wouldn”t say I”m playing to keep my job. I would say I”m playing to help my team win every time. I think that”s the objective for every quarterback that”s playing, for every football player.” He acknowledged the need for improved performance but emphasized that his motivation extends beyond job security.
McDaniel noted that his message to Tagovailoa this week has focused on returning to the fundamentals of the game. “Just the basics and the fundamentals of what got me playing the way I was playing last year, the year prior and so forth,” Tagovailoa explained. “It”s the footwork, matching that up with each play, and then the confidence within that.”
Regarding Wilson and Ewers, Tagovailoa expressed confidence in their progress, stating, “They”re doing really well with scout team, they”re rotating through that, and they”re competing.” He also reacted to the recent news that general manager Chris Grier, who selected him in the 2020 draft, was let go. “I really appreciate that he gave me the opportunity to get drafted here,” Tagovailoa said. “All I can say is this is the nature of the NFL. That”s just the business aspect of it.”
Tagovailoa reflected on the trade of outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips, a teammate for five seasons, acknowledging the harsh realities of the NFL. “It”s the nature of the beast, and we all understand that,” he commented. “I wish JP well and hope he does well over there, but that”s just the nature of it.”
However, the Dolphins” quarterback expressed relief that most of his offensive teammates remained with the team after the trade deadline. “Those are the guys that I”ve been playing with for several years. When you can have those guys stay, it helps with everything,” he said, emphasizing the importance of continuity in the game plan.
On the injury front, Tagovailoa is no longer on the team”s injury report regarding his thumb or the eye issue that caused some swelling prior to the victory against the Atlanta Falcons. He mentioned that while his left eye still appeared red, he is taking antibiotics in hopes of improvement.
